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Can a digital pen “revolutionise” Parkinson’s diagnosis?

A Parkinson’s diagnosing pen has sealed a five-year manufacturing deal from stationery brand Stabilo. The Neuromotor Pen– developed by Scottish medical devices company Manus Neurodynamica – analyses a user’s hand and limb movements as they perform a number of drawing tests on a tablet. Microchips within the device record the data of even the smallest of movements, and determine whether a user has Parkinson’s in a simple and non-invasive way. Researchers believe the pen could be adapted in the future for use in monitoring patients with Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and those that have suffered from a stroke. Peter Kämpf, director of research and development at Schwan-Stabilo, said: “This novel product can potentially revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of neuromotor diseases, and we are excited to be involved in its development and in helping bring it to market.”

Scotland sees soaring Parkinson’s rate

The number of drugs being prescribed for people living with Parkinson’s in Scotland, UK, has increased by more than a quarter. National Health Service (NHS) figures, published by the Scottish Conservative party, show that the number of items being dispensed for the condition have leapt by 28% – from 260,355 in 2010 to 333,167 in 2019. The sharp rise is thought to be a consequence of Scotland’s ageing population and has prompted calls from bodies, including Parkinson’s UK, for government action to ensure the NHS can cope with the increasing number of Parkinson’s cases. Annie Macleod, director of Parkinson’s UK Scotland, said: “Over the next decade we expect to see numbers increase by a fifth.” She added that reasons for such a spike could include “growing numbers of people living with more complex Parkinson’s, or changes to the ways that specialists are managing Parkinson’s”.

Over a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, study finds

More than a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, according to new research from charity Parkinson’s UK. As part of the study, 2,000 people with Parkinson’s were asked a series of questions about their diagnosis. According to results, 26% of the participants were originally told they did not have Parkinson’s – with almost half of them being treated for a different condition. The poll also found that women were more likely to be misdiagnosed than men. Katie Goates, professional engagement manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “One of the biggest challenges for Parkinson’s research is that there is no definitive test for Parkinson’s, and as a result we’ve heard of people being misdiagnosed with anything from a frozen shoulder or anxiety to a stroke. “Our survey has shown that because of this people are being left in limbo and seeing their health deteriorate, which is unacceptable.”

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Can a digital pen “revolutionise” Parkinson’s diagnosis?

Scotland sees soaring Parkinson’s rate

Over a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, study finds

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Can a digital pen “revolutionise” Parkinson’s diagnosis?

Scotland sees soaring Parkinson’s rate

Over a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, study finds

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